Hello everyone ... I am so sorry it has been so long since I have been able to get on here and write to you all I feel so bad about it...but I am back and I want to let yo all know a little about what has been going on in my life.
As some of you may know the family member that was sick in my family was my grandfather. Well, he passed away on Sat. morning. It is very tough for our family because we are so close. He was a great man and I know he is the reason my father is such a great man, and it is why I strive to be a great man so I can make them all so proud of me.
He was 83 years old and lived a great life he lived through and fought in a world war, made it through a depression, and saw so much else in his life time that most of us will never see or ever want to see. He was married to my grandmother for over 60 yrs and I have never seen two people so more in love then them. They were still holding hands and kissing at the age of 80.
It was tough for me because I am the only grandson in the family and grandpa was a great athlete, so he came to a lot of my games ever since I was a little kid, it hurts a lot because he never got to see a Steelers game live, but I guess at least now he has the best seat in the house for the rest of my career.
It was tough for me because the last funeral I went to was my mothers when I was 8, so I am not used to these kinds of things, but it meant so much to have all the support from friends and family and other players, and all the prayers.
I guess that's enough venting for now. It feels better to talk to you all about this because I have to be the rock for this family and when I can let it out sometimes it helps so thank you all for
your support and prayers and I look forward to talking again soon.
I am dedicating this season to my grandfather Ken Carl Roethlisberger. I love you.
Hey Ben..I'm so sorry to hear that with your grandfather..all my thinkings are with you i wish i can be with you and give your a big hug...i lost my father for 8 years that was so hard..and that your grandparents was so in love that is so nice..i think it's a very hard time for you and your family...my best wishes for you and your family..take care.god bless you and your family..i'm with you Ben ..and i think so many peoples...with all my love karin
Posted by: karin | July 02, 2005 at 02:17 PM
Ben,
I'm so sorry to hear about your grandfather. He sounded like a wonderful man to look up to. I know what you mean when you say your the rock of your family, I'm that too since I'm the oldest of all of my cousins. I think that it's really sweet that you're dedicating this season to your grandpa. I can't wait to see you at training camp in August. I'll keep you and you're family in my prayers. If you ever need to talk e-mail me.
*Dani*
Posted by: Danielle | July 02, 2005 at 02:49 PM
BR,
Sorry about your loss. Grandparents are very special. I lost my 3 remaining grandparents in the last year. It's tough.
I also wanted to thank you for your time, patience and co-operation in the Dallas-Fort Worth airport signing my Yosemite book and letting me snap a pic of you and my girlfriend. The pic came out great and made her entire Rabid Steeler Fan Family envious. Thanks for being cool about the whole thing, and I hope we didn't blow your cover too badly.
If you're interested in seeing the pic, it's at http://home.neo.rr.com/fantasybb/ben.jpg. You'll probably be seeing it in the mail sometime, so if you get a minute, please drop your ID on it.
Many thanks again, that was very cool of you.
Todd
Posted by: Todd | July 02, 2005 at 07:31 PM
Darn typepad screwed up the URL... here it is again:
http://home.neo.rr.com/fantasybb/ben.jpg
Posted by: Todd | July 02, 2005 at 07:34 PM
Hey Ben, sorry to hear about your grandfather. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I just lost my great-grandmother she was 84. It was a hard loss. My family was totally shocked. She died suddenly. There is a song called "Inside Your Heaven." Everytime I hear that song I think of my great-grandma. Stay strong.
DeAnna
Posted by: DeAnna | July 03, 2005 at 12:08 AM
Ben,
I'm sorry to hear about your grandfather. I'm sure he was agreat man. I read what happened to your mom and i'm truly sorry about that too. Well just know that they are in a better place right now making sure you OK. Take Care,
Traci
Posted by: Traci | July 03, 2005 at 10:17 AM
Ben,
I am so sorry to hear about your grandfather. There is nothing worse than losing a loved one, especially one that has meant so much to you. I know that you will treasure the time you had with him as you remember and honor him with your play on the field and actions off.
I lost my grandfather in january, the last of my grandparents, just before I turned 21 and everyday I thank God that I was able to spend 20 years with him and my other relatives in my life. I know that you feel the same way. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, and thank you so much for sharing with us your stories as you go through this tough time.
Posted by: Alisa | July 03, 2005 at 12:27 PM
Ben,
So sorry to hear about your grandfather. He sounds like a truly great man. At least you know he is at peace now. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of loss.
Posted by: Jason Crist | July 03, 2005 at 03:28 PM
Dear Ben,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I can understand the difficulty of attending funerals. The very first one I attended was my dad's; I was 13. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Debbie | July 03, 2005 at 08:55 PM
Ben,
I'm very sorry to hear about your grandfather. My uncle recently died and it was quite sudden. I find a lot of help in knowing that he is in a better place and watching over me and my entire family.
Even though it is a difficult time, remember all of tbe wonderful times you had with your grandfather. Both of my grandfathers have passed, and I only have memories of my Pap-Pap, but I treasure each and every one of those memories. I find peace knowing that he is watching over me and loves me.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Posted by: Sue | July 03, 2005 at 09:43 PM
Ben,
May I say on behalf of my family about to lose someone close - We're sorry for your loss! Sounds like the world of the living lost a heck-of-a-man (and a Husband, a Daddy, and a Grandparent). I'm glad you had the opportunity to have so many fond memories of your grandfather. Some in this world aren't as fortunate. From all that people tell me about death - take comfort in knowing that God must have needed him more than anyone else and I'm sure he's now looking over you and the rest of your family making sure all will be ready in heaven for your arrival in the distant future.
I've not posted on your blog until now but let me say I'm sure your grandfather is very proud of you and your ability to carry on his legacy of being an athlete, a gentleman, and a wonderful person.
God Bless...
Posted by: Scott | July 03, 2005 at 10:09 PM
That was so sweet what you said about your grandfather... hope all goes well... you know we all love you! ~Bethany
Posted by: Bethany | July 03, 2005 at 10:56 PM
Hey Ben,
I am so sorry to hear about your grandpa. I know it's hard. I am very close to my family as well. They are my rock and the reason I live my life the way I do. I just lost my grandpa to cancer in October of last year and that was hard. I know, like you said that he has the best seat in the house, when it comes to making him proud. I was upset at first because you want the people who are close to you to be able to be there for you're greatest accomplishments but I know that he will be watching over me as will your grandpa with you. I am sure that he is prouder that ever to see what you have accomplish. Stay strong, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
On a lighter note I just wanted to let you know that I went to the Toby Keith concert tonight and of coarse he rocked the house. Anyways, I went to a huge pre show party that the fan club had before the concert. Everyone in the fan club got Toby this huge gift basket full of Pittsburgh Steeler stuff (most of which was Ben items...because we love you and are so proud of you). Toby's favorite football team is the Steelers of coarse. It was awesome cause he gave a shout out to the Steelers during one of his songs. Keep your head up...hope to hear from you soon!
God Bless,
Danielle
Posted by: Danielle | July 04, 2005 at 02:06 AM
Ben so sorry to hear of your loss. It's been a year since my grandmother's death and there's not a day that goes by that I don't miss her. It's so hard to fill the void. You have a ton of support here and I'm so glad you were able to share your situation with us. Your grandpa will be there with you in spirit. Wishing you a healthy and prosperous season,
Lisa
p.s. I'm off to figure out if you're in my city today!
Posted by: Lisa in Toledo | July 04, 2005 at 08:03 AM
Ben so sorry to hear of your loss. It's been a year since my grandmother's death and there's not a day that goes by that I don't miss her. It's so hard to fill the void. You have a ton of support here and I'm so glad you were able to share your situation with us. Your grandpa will be there with you in spirit. Wishing you a healthy and prosperous season,
Lisa
p.s. I'm off to figure out if you're in my city today!
Posted by: Lisa in Toledo | July 04, 2005 at 08:07 AM
Ben, I am sorry to hear about your grandfather. l liked when you said he was a great man and that he made your Dad a great man. I feel the same about my Dad.
I have 2 sons and a daughter (11, 7 and 3) and my boys think the world of you. I heard, however, that you can be a bit arrogant and cocky from a member of the media. I only trust what I personally see, so I don't think to much about what other people say. I just want you to know that a lot a little boys and girls are looking up to you right now. Don't let them down - the world needs role models and you seem to fit the mold.
I will pray for your grandfather and that you remain humble in your football greatness. - Todd
Posted by: Todd | July 06, 2005 at 06:34 AM
Ben,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your grandfather. My grandfather passed away 9 years ago and I still miss him everyday. But it's comforting to know that, like you said, they will have the best seat in the house for Steeler games. My grandfather was a hero to a lot of people and it sounds as though yours was too. Take solace in the good times that you had with him and know that he will be with you always. My prayers are with you and your family. Take care of yourself and best of luck in the upcoming season...Your #1 fan in Colorado!!
Desiree'
Posted by: Desiree' | July 06, 2005 at 05:37 PM
Ben...
So sorry to hear about your Grandpa...he will be watching you from above from now on...you'll be in our thoughts and prayers...
-Kristen
and Rooney (the Bulldog)
Posted by: Kristen and Rooney the Bulldog | July 06, 2005 at 10:18 PM
Ben srry 2 hear about the loss of ur grandpa. next time u blog please tell us the answer 2 ur last question of ur shoe size. and ask another one. please. once again srry about the loss
~STEELERS 4 EVER~
Posted by: STEELERS 4 EVER | July 06, 2005 at 10:43 PM
Thanks for the absolutely great season and putting the Steelers back on the NFL "map". It is really refreshing to see your fine attitude, humble personality, can-do confidence rub off on others....Please keep setting the excellant on & off field examples of great team spirit and displays of personal responsibility...
PS - Throw more passes OB rather than risk Ints when needed........ I am feeling the best is yet to come....
Posted by: Mel Delaney | July 06, 2005 at 10:50 PM
Ben-
We are all sorry to hear about your grandfather. You know that there is nobody who can replace him, but you can help his legacy live on. This season may be the best of your career if you play for his memory. Good luck and be strong through the tough times in your life. What doesn't kill us can only make us stronger.
Posted by: John-Original Fan-No Bandwagoner | July 07, 2005 at 03:33 PM
Ben-
We are all sorry to hear about your grandfather. You know that there is nobody who can replace him, but you can help his legacy live on. This season may be the best of your career if you play for his memory. Good luck and be strong through the tough times in your life. What doesn't kill us can only make us stronger.
Posted by: John-Original Fan-No Bandwagoner | July 07, 2005 at 03:37 PM
SHOESIZE? PRILLA IS A BUM.
Posted by: SHOESIZE? | July 07, 2005 at 06:05 PM
Dear Ben,
I know you're going through some rough times, which is why I think this website will cheer you up.
http://www.pitt.edu/~mit3/ben.html
Posted by: David | July 07, 2005 at 06:53 PM
Dear Ben...
((((BIGGGGG HUGGGGGS))))
I just wanted you to know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. You have terrific memories of your grandfather and you will cherish those forever. My Mom was tragically killed back in 1989 and she has been with me everyday since then. Her spirit truly warms my soul.
I was only 23 at the time and a young Mom myself ... gosh, I still needed her, you know?
Just keep praying like you do. Our faith keeps us strong through our toughest days.
May God watch over you and all of the folks that were blessed to know your grandfather ~ it sounds like he was such a wonderful man...and I am sure you made him so proud.
Take care Ben.
With warm regards,
The Slavick Family
Hampton, Virginia
Posted by: Lisa | July 07, 2005 at 10:51 PM